Pro-Russian Forces Capture Two Ukrainian Ships

20 Mar 2014

On Thursday, pro-Russian forces continued their assault on Ukrainians in Crimea as they captured the Khmelnitsky and Lutsk warships. Pro-Russian forces also took over military bases earlier in the week, and one assault led to the death of a Ukrainian soldier.

An Associated Press photographer said shots were fired when they took control of the Khmelnitsky, but no casualties were reported. Ukraine’s defense ministry has not released a statement yet.

The Crimean government said they would disband Ukrainian forces, but Defense Minister Ihor Tenyukh said Ukraine would remain to defend their borders. But after the two military bases were seized, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Andriy Parubiy announced Ukraine will move their forces out of Crimea.

He also said he would ask the United Nations to declare Crimea a demilitarized zone so they could help move Ukrainian forces back to the mainland.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said Russia must be kicked out of the G8 forum. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the G8 forum is suspended indefinitely. Canada cancelled their appearance at the G8 summit in Sochi, Russia, and other countries threatened to boycott.